Conn-Selmer union plans to return to talks with company

September 03, 2008|WSBT-TV and Tribune Report

A long strike for musical instrument makers in Elkhart could finally come to an end. Two and a half years ago, 240 union workers at Elkhart musical instrument maker Conn-Selmer went on strike after contract negotiations fell through.

The union plans to return to the bargaining table Sept. 16.

A major sticking point is differences in a severance package for the striking workers. The company hired replacement workers to fill the union positions.

There's no word what would happen to the replacement workers if the two sides approve a contract.

The union workers are members of United Auto Workers Local 364. The union struck Conn-SelmerÂ?s Vincent Bach musical instruments factory at 500 Industrial Parkway in Elkhart on April 1, 2006.